Tuesday, 13 December 2016

EUROPA LEAGUE NEWS

Gent director Michel Louwagie was absolutely delighted to draw big guns Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 draw. Gent are not realistically looking to win the trophy, just go as far as they can and a bumper payday against a big team is the icing on the cake.

They are delighted to get the chance to play at Wembley, a rare chance to play at the home of football that rarely presents itself for such sides. The return leg will be a day they all remember and they will most certainly be up for the game, which makes them dangerous opponents.

We have to be very professional. We have to get a result in Belgium and bring an advantage back to Wembley. Then we must not underestimate the importance to them of playing at Wembley and we have do to a thoroughly professional job.

“We feared we would draw a Turkish opponent. It was the wet dream of mine and the president to get either Roma or Tottenham.

“This is like a Champions League game. We will play at Wembley, which is fantastic. Every game in that stadium is an epic. Now we can play there, and that is something you want to experience once in your career.

“We have not been one of the top clubs for long, so this is all relatively new for us. We are extra excited. The coach always wants a challenge. Last year he was disappointed we did not get an English club.

"Tottenham are obviously stronger [than Gent], but Gent has also put in performances in Europe that nobody expected. Who knows, maybe they will underestimate us?

"Tottenham is a big name, and we will go there with a lot of respect.”